Private Boat Excursion to Portofino & Tigullio Coast (The Green Boat)

A relaxed, romantic full-day private cruise aboard a classic wooden boat to discover Rapallo, Santa Margherita, Portofino, the Faro, San Fruttuoso and Camogli. Sunbathing, swims and a private onboard aperitif make this an intimate way to experience the Riviera.
In Collaboration with The Green Boat. Updated on March 4, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with The Green Boat, inspired by the tour ESCURSIONE PRIVATA IN BARCA A PORTOFINO. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private wooden boat charter with The Green Boat
- Piazzetta di Portofino and Faro di Portofino views
- Abbazia di San Fruttuoso and seaside swim + snorkeling
- Cliffs and sunset-ready moments at Punta Chiappa
- Picturesque Camogli palazzata and seaside stroll
Explore all itineraries in Rapallo.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day private cruise (meet in Rapallo) — scenic coastal stops, swims, and a romantic onboard aperitif.
Meet at the quay — Molo Duca degli Abruzzi, Rapallo
Arrival and check-in with the crew. Final briefing, lifejackets, and quick refreshment before boarding.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early to roll luggage bags easily along the quayside and choose a preferred seat on board.
- Bring your passports (required) and a small dry bag for wallets/phones — crew can store valuables below deck.
- Wear non-marking shoes for boarding; for a romantic photo, bring a lightweight shawl for the sea breeze.
Departure: Scenic cruise from Rapallo toward Santa Margherita Ligure
Settle on deck and enjoy the coastal panorama — olive groves, colored houses and first aperitif served.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the skipper for the quieter side of the boat for best photo angles of the coastline and intimate seating.
- Have your camera ready for low-angle portraits of your partner with the coastline as a backdrop — golden light is lovely even before sunset.
- If you prefer shade, request the forward canopy; otherwise the bow is perfect for sunbathing together.
Short stop / pass-by: Porto Turistico / Molo Maloncello — Santa Margherita Ligure
A gentle pass-by or short mooring at Santa Margherita for photos and a brief stroll if you wish.
- Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- If you step ashore, stroll a few minutes along the marina for pastel facades and a quiet café — a quick glass of local Vermentino is very romantic.
- The marina is compact — stick together and keep phones in a safe pocket; the crew can hold small items while you walk.
- Couples can ask the crew for a short photo-op at the stern with the harbor as a backdrop — it frames well for social photos.
Portofino: Piazzetta visit & leisure time
Approach Portofino's famous harbor; time to moor (subject to availability), stroll the Piazzetta, or linger on board and watch the harbor life.
Tips from local experts:
- If you go ashore, take the narrow alleys up behind the piazzetta for a quiet viewpoint — perfect for a couple's selfie away from the crowds.
- Consider splitting time: 20–30 minutes ashore for gelato/cappuccino and the rest soaking the harbor views from the boat for privacy.
- Portofino can be busy; request the skipper to position the boat for a private harbor-front view and a champagne toast before you disembark.
Photo-pass: Faro di Portofino (lighthouse) — panoramic cruise-by
Slow cruise around the headland for sweeping views of the lighthouse perched over the sea.
- Monday10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- WednesdayClosed
- Thursday10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the captain to do a slow circle for a framed lighthouse shot — it’s one of Portofino’s most cinematic scenes.
- Stand on the aft rail for dramatic cliffline photos; be mindful of spray and hold a partner’s hand for steady shots.
- Bring polarised sunglasses to reduce glare when shooting across the water and to admire the varying blue-green tones.
San Fruttuoso: Anchored stop — Abbazia di San Fruttuoso & swim/snorkel + onboard picnic
Anchored in the secluded bay for a swim/snorkel session and a romantic onboard picnic or light lunch (lunch not included — arrange ahead or opt to buy locally if disembarking). Optional short walk to the abbey for a cultural moment.
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 3:45 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 3:45 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 3:45 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 3:45 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Arrange a simple onboard picnic with the crew (cheese, focaccia, chilled Prosecco) for a private romantic moment — ask for a blanket on deck.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and the included snorkeling set; swim together to the shallower rocks for colorful fish and calm snorkeling.
- If you want to visit the abbey, take quick shoes and a light jacket for the short shore walk; the abbey courtyard makes a peaceful photo spot for couples.
Punta Chiappa: Cliff views and optional swim/snorkel
Cruise along to Punta Chiappa — dramatic cliffs, crystalline water and a chance for a more secluded swim or cliff-jump viewing (no forced jumps).
Tips from local experts:
- Punta Chiappa is rugged and romantic — choose a calm-water swim spot recommended by the skipper for privacy.
- Keep swims short together if you prefer intimate moments; the skipper will anchor where the water is calmest and clearest.
- Wear water shoes if you plan to step onto rock ledges; they make moving around easier and more comfortable.
Camogli: Quick quay stop — stroll the palazzata and a gelato
Short mooring for a walk along Camogli's famous colorful palaces and a seaside gelato or espresso — ideal for a relaxed couple's wander.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk hand-in-hand along the seafront palazzata (Piazza Colombo area) for classic coastal photos and a quiet bench to watch fishing boats.
- Try a local gelateria (ask the crew for their favourite) — sit close together on the low harbor wall for an iconic couple's photo.
- If you prefer a sit-down snack, ask the skipper to recommend a small family-run café on the square rather than touristy waterfront spots.
Return cruise to Rapallo — relaxed sailing back, golden-hour possibilities
Leisurely return to Rapallo with music, a final aperitif onboard and time to watch the coastline pass as the day winds down.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a final onboard toast (Prosecco or local wine) to mark your special day — coordinate with the crew beforehand.
- Sit aft for unobstructed views as the coastline softens in late afternoon light; bring a lightweight wrap as temperatures can drop on the water.
- If you'd like a romantic photo, ask the skipper to stop briefly in a calm bay on the return for a sunset-style portrait (subject to timing and conditions).
Disembark in Rapallo — trip end
Thank the crew and disembark at the quay in Rapallo. Crew will help with luggage and local recommendations for evening plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a small tip ready for the crew if service was special — it’s customary and appreciated for private charters.
- If you’re staying locally, ask the crew for a recommended seaside restaurant in Rapallo for a romantic dinner (book ahead in high season).
- Collect any rented snorkeling gear or towels from the crew and confirm transport arrangements if you requested drop-off elsewhere.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Neighborhood, Attraction, Culture, Outdoor |